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What can we do if the landlord refuses to make needed repairs to the house?

What can we do if the landlord refuses to make needed repairs to the house?

Full question:

My husband and I have been renting a house and we were planning on purchasing it. Unfortunatly the house has many repairs that no bank will finance. The landlord has had the utilities in his name and when we explained to him that we were unable to finance the house until he fixes the problems in the house he had our gas disconected with out notifing us a head of time. We thought that we could just get the Gas turned on in our name but the gas company will not turn on the gas because there is a gas leak in the basement and until that is fixed. We have been there since January and he has not fixed any of the things that are listed in the lease. Now we don't have any Gas.

Category: Landlord Tenant
Subcategory: Repairs
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Ohio

Answer:

Please see the information at the following links:

http://definitions.uslegal.com/w/warranty-of-habitability/

http://definitions.uslegal.com/l/landlord-tenant-breach/

http://lawdigest.uslegalforms.com/landlord-tenant/index.php?sCatID=31&state=OH

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the rule for renting vs buying?

Renting typically involves a lease agreement where tenants pay monthly rent to live in a property owned by a landlord. Buying means purchasing the property outright, which includes taking on the mortgage, property taxes, and maintenance responsibilities. Renters have less financial commitment and flexibility, while buyers build equity over time. However, buyers are also responsible for all repairs and upkeep, unlike renters, who may rely on landlords for maintenance.

How to get a house deemed uninhabitable?

To have a house deemed uninhabitable, you must document significant health or safety violations, such as lack of heat, water, or gas, or serious structural issues. Contact your local housing authority or health department to report these issues. They may conduct an inspection and determine if the property meets the legal standards for habitability. If the property is deemed uninhabitable, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease.

What repairs are the responsibility of the tenant?

Tenants are generally responsible for minor repairs and maintenance, such as changing light bulbs, replacing batteries in smoke detectors, and keeping the property clean. However, major repairs related to the structure, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems are typically the landlord's responsibility. Always check your lease agreement for specific details about repair obligations.

Which of the following is not typically one of your responsibilities as a tenant?

Tenants are usually not responsible for major repairs, such as fixing plumbing issues, structural damage, or problems with heating and cooling systems. These responsibilities typically fall to the landlord, who must ensure the property is habitable and safe. Always refer to your lease for specific terms regarding responsibilities.

Are renters responsible for repairs?

Renters are generally responsible for minor repairs and maintaining the cleanliness of the rental unit. However, major repairs, such as those affecting plumbing, heating, or the structure of the building, are typically the landlord's responsibility. Always check your lease agreement for specific repair obligations and responsibilities.

What is a major risk the seller faces if they rent the property back from the buyers after closing?

A major risk for sellers who rent back their property after selling is the potential for disputes over property conditions or maintenance responsibilities. If issues arise, the seller may face legal action from the new owners. Additionally, the seller may lose the right to make decisions about the property, as they are now tenants. It's essential to have a clear rental agreement outlining terms to mitigate these risks.